Eden Valley Walk
Travel through the beautiful Eden Valley and the High Weald on this 15 mile walk through Kent.
The route starts at Edenbridge and heads towards Hever and the excellent Hever Castle with its double-moated castle and 125 acres of spectacular gardens. You continue east passing the delightful village of Chiddingstone. This National Trust owned village includes a number of quaint timber framed Tudor buildings, a picturesque village pond, an ancient pub and the 15th century Chiddingstone Castle with its beautiful grounds and gardens. A small detour north from the route at Hill Hoath will take you to the worthy settlement.
The next stage takes you to Penshurst and the 14th century Penshurst Place. Again there is plenty to see here including the State Rooms, Gallery and wonderful gardens.
The final section heads to Tonbridge passing through the Haysden Country Park and Barden Lake before finishing at the castle in Tonbridge.
This is a lovely walk through the open fields, woodland and parks of the Eden Valley with the added bonus of some impressive historical architecture. It's waymarked with a yellow disc with the name of the walk and a castle logo.
Eden Valley Walk Ordnance Survey Map 
- view and print off detailed OS map
Eden Valley Walk Open Street Map 
- view and print off detailed map
Eden Valley Walk OS Map 
- Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Eden Valley Walk Open Street Map 
- Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Pubs/Cafes
In Edenbridge head to the The Old Eden on the High Street at postcode TN8 5AX. The award-winning family run historic traditional pub has an nice beer garden to relax in.
Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby
Photos
A well maintained section of the Eden Valley Walk. The route meanders through parkland, ancient woodland, and open fields along the banks of the River Eden and River Medway. In the woodlands, native trees such as oak, beech, and hornbeam prevail, while wildflower meadows burst into life in the spring and summer with species including bluebells, primroses, and various wild orchids. The grassy areas are maintained through traditional grazing, which helps preserve chalk grassland communities that support a diversity of calcicole plants. Along the riverbanks, water-loving species such as reeds and sedges flourish, providing vital habitats for amphibians and aquatic insects.
Passing farm buildings at Wat Stock. Birdlife is abundant on this walk; you may hear the cheerful songs of blackbirds and blue tits as you stroll through the countryside, while species such as kingfishers, herons, and even the occasional red kite are often spotted near the water. Small mammals, including hedgehogs and rabbits, add to the charm, and in the more open areas, you might even catch sight of deer grazing in the distance.
Alongside the River Medway. The Eden Valley Walk veers away from the River Medway at this point. An extra signpost on the tree ensures you don't miss this!
North of Haysden Lake. Beyond its ecological diversity, the Eden Valley Walk is steeped in historical interest and scenic beauty. The path takes you past quaint villages and offers glimpses of historic buildings and castles, reflecting the rich heritage of Kent. The landscape is dotted with features such as ancient hedgerows and traditional field boundaries that have shaped the local culture for centuries.
Hever Castle. This country house, was built in the 13th century and was the seat of the Boleyn family. Anne Boleyn, the second queen of King Henry VIII, spent her early youth here after her father, Thomas Boleyn, inherited it in 1505. It later came into the possession of King Henry VIII's fourth wife, Anne of Cleves. The castle is now open to the public as a tourist attraction. There is an annual events programme with assorted events, including jousting tournaments and archery displays. The grounds are lovely with a a yew maze, rose gardens, herb garden, and topiary.
Eden bridge at Edenbridge. A newer footbridge is in front of the 1834 stone bridge crossing the river Eden which eventually flows into the Medway, some miles further east
Penshurst Place. The south front and Italian Garden at Penshurst Place, another highlight on the walk. The 14th century house has a fascinating history, having been the birthplace of the great Elizabethan poet, courtier and soldier, Sir Philip Sidney who was a favourite of Elizabeth I. You can explore the house and see fine furniture and portraits. There are also lovely grounds and gardens to see here.
Tonbridge Castle. Formal gardens in the inner bailey of Tonbridge Castle. It was built by the de Clare family shortly after the Norman invasion. The castle was then destroyed by William II but rebuilt. It then became embroiled in the civil wars of the thirteenth century when the de Clares rebelled against both King John and his successor, Henry III. The castle was slighted on the orders of Parliament in 1646. The site is also the start of a 6-mile cycle ride to Penshurst Place called The Tudor Trail.
Elevation Profile
